A night of heavy rainfall has led to extreme amounts of surface water on roads across Donegal and many remain closed this morning.

Donegal County Council are warning motorists in Inishowen to avoid any unnecessary travel this morning as there is significant flood damage affecting all routes.

Many routes remain impassable in Inishowen. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution on all other routes. Bridges have partially collapsed, mudslides have blocked roads and there is widespread damage to Donegal’s road network.

The council have issued the following notices of road closures and updates:

  • R238 from Muff to Quigleys Point remains closed this morning. A local diversion is available for cars at Ture, Quigleys Point.
  • Clonmany to Drumfree road remains closed after bridge collapse
  • R238 Burnfoot to Buncrana open again after flooding.
  • R238 Cockhill Bridge closed at present and being assessed for damage. Diversion via Westbrooke Bridge.
  • Carn Mountain Road R244 closed until further notice.
  • Aghilly road is closed due to “bridge failure.”
  • Bray road, Newtown area, also closed due to severe damage to the bridge.
  • Slab Road, closed until further notice.
  • Cockhill bridge is also closed. Diversions are in place via Westbrook, Slavey & Clonbeg.

Authorities continue to assess the damage and carry out necessary works.

Further updates from AA Roadwatch:

  • Mountain Rd (R244) between Buncrana and Carndonagh is also closed after a bridge collapsed. Gardai say that traffic from Carndonagh will have travel via Cloontagh and Buncrana. Note this is not suitable for HGVs
  • Grainne’s Gap is closed following mud slides.
  • The Clonmany/North Pole Rd (R238) is closed after a bridge collapsed.

The AA Roadwatch advise drivers to adjust their driving in preparation for dangerous conditions.

Don’t drive through water unless you’re sure it’s not too deep for your vehicle. If you have to drive through standing water, do so slowly and in the centre of the road as it tends to be the highest point. Use a low gear to keep your revs high and don’t take your foot off the accelerator as otherwise water can get into your exhaust. 

More updates to come.